Ankara, April 2025 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has revealed plans to visit the occupied northern part of Cyprus soon, following uproar over reported restrictions on headscarf-wearing women in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey. Speaking passionately to his AK Party supporters, Erdogan called the alleged discrimination “unacceptable” and vowed to address the issue directly during his trip, which Turkish media suggest may coincide with the early May opening of a new “presidential complex” in the north.
The controversy erupted after reports in Turkish media highlighted claims that women in headscarves faced unfair treatment in certain settings in the occupied areas. While specifics remain unclear, Erdogan’s blunt response—“When you don’t set limits for them, they don’t know their place”—reflected his frustration with local authorities. His upcoming visit is seen as both a chance to send a strong message and a show of solidarity with Turkish Cypriot leaders.
This isn’t the first time Erdogan has used high-profile trips to reinforce Turkey’s influence in northern Cyprus, but the headscarf issue adds a deeply personal and cultural dimension. A staunch advocate for conservative values, Erdogan has long championed the headscarf as a symbol of religious freedom in Turkey. Now, he’s bringing that fight across the Cyprus divide, signaling a bolder stance on religious rights in the region.